New Year, New You - Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Winter 2006
New Year,
New You
Are you eligible for our new SilverSneakers ® Fitness Program?, p. 20

2
FYI
What is subrogation? How does it help me?
Subrogation means that if you, as an Arkansas Blue Cross
and Blue Shield (or an affiliated company) member, is injured
because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, Arkansas
Blue Cross can seek reimbursement from the responsible party.
Basically, Arkansas Blue Cross will pay your claims and then pursue
reimbursement from the responsible party. You, as our member, do
not have to do anything.
For example, when an injury occurs because of an accident
in which someone other than you (as our member) are at fault,
the insurance carrier of that person may be responsible for your
medical treatment. In those cases, Arkansas Blue Cross may be
entitled to recover the value of the services from the other carrier.
Arkansas Blue Cross has selected Healthcare Recoveries (HRI) to
help in recovering subrogation claims.
If you, or a covered family member, are injured in an accident,
you will receive a letter from HRI that asks for you to call the
Customer Service Department to provide details regarding how
the injury occurred. That is the extent of your responsibility. If the
injury was caused by someone else, on another party’s property or
in an automobile accident, HRI will contact the responsible party
and request reimbursement to Arkansas Blue Cross for the cost of
medical care provided because of the injury.
A successful subrogation program helps Arkansas Blue Cross
keep the cost of health care reasonable for you and your employer.
Information about specific medical services for
Health Advantage members
If you need medical services such as lab work, therapy and
rehabilitation services, home health care, etc., and a participating
provider isn’t available in network in the area where you live, Health
Advantage may have guidelines in place for your specific medical
service. You may want to call Customer Service at 1-800-843-
1329 to find out more information about participating providers in
your area, or you can visit www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com and
select “Provider Directory.” The directory is updated frequently.
Are you a fitness leader?
The Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness currently is
looking for fitness leaders for the Governor’s Leadership in Fitness
Awards. The awards will be presented at a press conference in
April 2007.
The awards will recognize individuals and organizations whose
efforts have affected the health and fitness of Arkansans. Those
interested may nominate themselves, a co-worker, an agency or
an organization. Awards will be given in the following categories:
Corporate, Government Agency, Legislative, Media, Outstanding
Individual Leadership, Health and Fitness Club, Senior Individual,
School, and Physical Educator.
Nominations must include a completed application; the
applicant’s resume listing achievements or, if the nominee is an
organization, a summary of corporate activities and health initiatives;
a one-page summary of why the individual or organization should
be recognized, and a minimum of three recommendation letters.
Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 28, 2007.
For more information or an application form, go to www.
arkansasfitness.com, or call Erin Gaither at 501-280-4168. ❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

is published four times a year by
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
for the company’s members, health-care
professionals and other persons interested
in health care and wellness.
Vice President, Communications and Product Development: Karen Raley
Editor: Kelly Whitehorn — BNYou-Ed@arkbluecross.com
Designer: Gio Bruno
Contributors: Chip Bayer, Damona Fisher, Kristy Fleming, Jennifer Gordon,
Trey Hankins, Ryan Kravitz, Kathy Luzietti and Mark Morehead
Customer Service Numbers
Little Rock
Toll-free
Category Number (501) Number
State/Public School Employees 378-2364 1-800-482-8416
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
health insurance plans for individuals
and families 378-2010 1-800-238-8379
Arkansas Blue Cross Group Services 378-3070 1-800-421-1112
BlueCard ® 378-2127 1-800-880-0918
Federal Employee Program (FEP) 378-2531 1-800-482-6655
Health Advantage 378-2363 1-800-843-1329
BlueAdvantage Administrators
of Arkansas 378-3600 1-888-872-2531
Pharmacy Customer Service:
Arkansas Blue Cross 1-800-863-5561
Health Advantage 1-800-863-5567
BlueAdvantage 1-888-293-3748
Specialty Rx 1-866-295-2779
Medi-Pak (Medicare supplement) 378-3062 1-800-338-2312
Medi-Pak Advantage 1-866-390-3369
Medi-Pak Rx Membership 1-800-262-7095
Medi-Pak Rx Claims 1-800-698-8397
Medicare (for beneficiaries only): 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227)
For information about obtaining coverage, call:
Little Rock
Toll-free
Category Number (501) Number
Medi-Pak (Medicare supplement) 378-2937 1-800-392-2583
Medi-Pak Advantage 378-2937 1-800-392-2583
Medi-Pak Rx 378-2937 1-800-392-2583
Health insurance plans for
individuals and families 378-2937 1-800-392-2583
Regional Office locations are: Central, Little Rock; Northeast,
Jonesboro; Northwest, Fayetteville; South Central, Hot Springs; Southeast,
Pine Bluff; Southwest, Texarkana; and West Central, Fort Smith.
Customers who live in these regions may contact the regional offices or call the
appropriate toll-free telephone numbers above.
Web sites: www.ArkansasBlueCross.com
www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com
www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.com
www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org
www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com
Inside
this issue
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Winter 2006
FYI
New Year, New You: Time to “re-solve” your bad habits
Healthy New Year’s resolutions for kids
Tobacco: A serious addiction leading to serious health issues
Get moving in the new year
Stress, stress everywhere stress
Say goodbye to dry skin!
Stay safe in the ice and snow
Checking on your child’s health
Foods that fight disease
Are you waiting for the magic weight-loss pill?
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Health Education Programs help start the new year right
Are you prepared for pregnancy?
Special Delivery: Added benefit for expectant mothers
Getting into the checkup routine
New options and opportunities for Medicare-eligible Arkansans
Consumer risks of using decorative contact lenses
Health question? Your Health Coaches have the answer
My BlueLine
My Blueprint (and how to receive technical assistance)
Ask the Pharmacist
Are you up to the Challenge?
“Don’t Start” 2007 gets started
Use the emergency room for emergencies
FDA revises Tamiflu label
Blue & You Foundation awards $1.2 million in grants
“One Class at a Time” grants continue to help teachers
The Doctor’s Corner
Named for third year as InformationWeek Top 500 leader
Robert Shoptaw joins Simmons First corporate board
Get your kids off to a “lamb-tastic” new year
Blue & Your Community
Blue Online
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Blue & You Winter 2006

New Year, New You:
4
Happy New Year! Time to make your list of resolutions so
you can:
A. Follow them diligently throughout the year and transform your
life forever.
B. Follow them for a few weeks and then fall back into your old
comfortable but unhealthy habits.
C. Immediately misplace the list under an economy-sized bag of
corn chips.
Part of the problem with New Year’s resolutions is that you must
have resolve — or determination — to do them, which is tougher
when you are doing something you perceive is unpleasant. Instead
of resolving this year, why not “re-solve?”
To re-solve, look at the problem you want to fix, find fun ways
to change your habits and come to a more positive, healthy
conclusion. Use these suggestions to help you make your list:
Re-solving to get more exercise?
Plan several one-day healthy excursions with your family.
Resolve to visit every state park in the state or take walking tours
of your city’s historic landmarks. Bonus points: spending quality
time with your family and increasing your wilderness and historical
knowledge.
Get a DVD of
beginning yoga and
invite your friends to a
“Pretzel Party.” Put out
healthy refreshments,
including low-salt
pretzels, and then
make pretzels of
yourselves as you try
out the yoga moves.
This works great
for kids, too! Bonus
points: spending time
with friends and eating healthy. You might even learn some yoga in
the process!
Volunteer at an animal shelter, soup kitchen or help an elderly
neighbor with their yard. Volunteering is hard work, but it comes
with big rewards. Walking dogs and mowing lawns are great cardio
workouts and scrubbing pans can help you develop upper body
strength. Bonus points: new friends and the knowledge that you are
doing good in your community.
Gather a team for the Arkansas Fitness Challenge and
challenge another group. Each year, teams across Arkansas
challenge each other to get fit and keep track of the results. The
winners are recognized in a statewide celebration. For more
information, go to “Blue Perks” section on the Arkansas Blue Cross
and Blue Shield and Health Advantage Web sites. Bonus points:
Teams also are featured each year in Blue & You.
Re-solving to eat healthier?
Play “What’s My Veggie” with your family. Every time you go
to the grocery store, try to find a new vegetable or fruit that your
family may not have tasted before. Find out how to prepare it and
add it to your dinner
menu. See if they can
figure out the new food
item. Bonus points:
People who learn to enjoy
a variety of fruits and
vegetables are more likely
to add them regularly to
their diets.
Host a healthy cook
out and invite your friends.
Try grilling salmon steaks
and shrimp along with
corn on the cob and slices
of zucchini and squash.
Finish with a fruit salad.
Bonus points: time with
friends and maybe a game
of touch football.
Make regular visits to the Little Rock River Market or other
farmers’ markets to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables and
honey. The trip will be a feast for your eyes as well as your body and
you might end up with some locally made artwork as well. Bonus
points: Great music, great atmosphere and you’re bound to see
someone you know.
Enjoy “TV veggies” with your family. As the prime time
programs come on, so do the evening munchies. Instead of cake,
ice cream or popcorn, why not share a bowl of carrots, celery,
broccoli and baby tomatoes and dip your veggies in a light ranch
dressing? Bonus points: you can satisfy your urge to munch and feel
good about getting some extra vegetables in your diet.
Re-solving to reduce stress in your life?
Reward yourself with healthy activities like taking brisk walks,
Blue & You Winter 2006

Time to “re-solve” your bad habits
bicycling, golfing with friends or playing fetch with your dog. Bonus
points: time for yourself, time with others and time with your favorite
furry companion.
Schedule regular facials or massages at a local beauty school.
Usually the schools have the lowest prices. Bonus points: You’ll be
treating yourself and helping someone learn their trade.
Buy some fun pajamas and get to bed early. Studies prove that
sleep deprivation is a major cause of poor work performance,
which can lead to stress on the job. Bonus points: An excuse to
wear Doctor Denton’s all over again!
Re-solving to quit smoking?
Replace all the ashtrays in the house with potted plants. They
look prettier and help clean the air. Bonus points: You may develop
a green thumb.
You’re never too young to start making resolutions, but kids
have a different way of thinking. These resolutions, provided by
the American Academy of Pediatrics, may give you some ideas of
what your children should resolve to do in the coming year.
Preschoolers
• I will clean up my toys.
• I will brush my teeth twice a day and wash my hands after going
to the bathroom and before eating.
• I won’t tease dogs — even friendly ones. I will keep my fingers
and face away from their mouths.
5- to 12-years-old
• I will drink milk and water and limit soda and fruit drinks.
• I will apply sunscreen before
I go outdoors. I will try to
stay in the shade whenever
possible and wear a hat and
sunglasses, especially when
I’m playing sports.
• I will find a sport or an activity
that I like and do it at least
three times a week.
• I will always wear a helmet
when bicycling.
• I will wear my seat belt every
time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the
back seat and use a booster
seat until I am tall enough to
Quit smoking with a friend. You can give each other support
and suggestions. Bonus
points: deepening
a friendship with
someone who truly
understands your
struggle.
Try a veggie
substitute. By having plenty of carrots, fresh green beans and
celery on hand, you can give your hand and mouth something to
do besides holding a cigarette. Bonus points: you’ll be adding those
needed vegetables to your diet, and they’ll start to taste better the
longer you stay smoke-free!
❊
Healthy New Year’s resolutions for kids
use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
• I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends
— like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.
• I’ll never give out personal information, such as my name, home
address, school name, telephone number or picture, on the
Internet.
13-years-old and up
• I will eat at least one fruit and one vegetable every day, and I will
limit the amount of soda I drink.
• I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.
• I will choose nonviolent television shows and video games, and I
will spend only one to two hours each day on these activities.
• I will help out in my community through volunteering, working
with community groups or by joining a group that helps people
in need.
• I will wipe out negative “self talk” from my vocabulary.
• When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find
better ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading,
writing in a journal or discussing my problem with a parent
or friend.
• When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk with an adult
about my choices.
• I will be careful about whom I choose to date and always treat
the other person with respect.
• I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol. ❊
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
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Blue & You Winter 2006

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Tobacco: A serious addiction leading to
serious health issues
The word
“addiction” once
was known as simply
“being hooked,” or
developing a “bad
habit,” but research
into various forms
of addiction has made some clarification of this term necessary.
Officially, addiction is defined as a chronic disorder characterized
by the repeated use of substances or behaviors despite clear
evidence of morbidity secondary to such use. However, beyond this
definition, addiction has two separate meanings.
The first is called physical dependency. This is defined by the
abuse of some substance that actually changes the chemical
composition in the brain and is characterized by symptoms of
withdrawal when the substance is removed. The second is known
as a psychological addiction and is associated with compulsive
behavior, like gambling, where no external substance is introduced
into the body.
While both forms of addiction are difficult to conquer, it is
physical dependency that creates the most hurdles to recovery
because of the physiological changes that occur and cause
withdrawal. This most often is associated with the use of drugs that
cause euphoria, such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana. These
substances increase the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine,
which affects the brain pathways that control the feelings of reward
and pleasure. Eventually, the body adapts to these drugs. If the use
of the drug is discontinued or the dosage is decreased, the body
is left without something it has come to depend on. The symptoms
of this kind of withdrawal include depression, fatigue and cravings,
and often need to be treated medically.
In 1988, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that tobacco
products like cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and chewing tobacco
create a physical dependency and are addictive. In fact, nicotine,
a chemical in tobacco, created an increase of dopamine in the
brain similar to cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Another study
Tips to Quit (Just START)
• S: Set a quit date: Think about choosing a special day like your
birthday or wedding anniversary.
• T: Tell family, friends and co-workers that you plan to quit. They
can help keep you accountable.
• A: Anticipate and plan for the challenges you will face while
quitting.
• R: Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your
home, car and workplace.
• T: Talk to your doctor about getting help if necessary. ❊
found dramatic changes in the brain’s pleasure circuits during
withdrawal from tobacco use comparable in magnitude and
duration to the changes observed during withdrawal from cocaine,
opiates, amphetamines and alcohol. This is why people find quitting
smoking to be a terribly difficult task — it’s not merely a matter of
“kicking the habit.”
Increased research into the harmful effects of smoking has
resulted in a higher average number of people who try to quit
each year. Yet statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention indicate tobacco use remains the leading preventable
cause of death in the United States. Approximately 440,000
people die prematurely every year due to smoking. Smoking has
been linked to cancer, heart attacks, stroke, emphysema, bronchitis
and blocked blood vessels. Still, people have trouble quitting.
The physical dependency on nicotine is an overwhelming factor
in the continued use of tobacco products. Every year an average
of 35 million smokers try to quit. Fewer than seven percent of them
achieve even one year of smoke-free success.
The good news is this: Of all the addictive substances that
cause physical dependency, nicotine is among those requiring
very little medical help to overcome. In fact, many smokers can
quit without help (see below left). In addition, research has shown
that treatments for tobacco addiction are highly effective for those
who need assistance. Some forms of available treatment include
behavioral therapy, nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum,
nasal sprays) and other medications. This is extremely important
because quitting smoking has immediate health benefits (see below
right). The bottom line is this: Regardless of how long you have
been a smoker, the potential health benefits of quitting could add
years to your life.
❊
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National
Cancer Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Benefits of quitting
• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker after five to
15 years
• Cancer risk (mouth, throat and esophagus) is cut in half five
years after quitting
• Coronary heart disease risk is cut in half one year after quitting
• Ulcer risk drops after quitting
• Bladder cancer risk is cut in half a few years after quitting
• Peripheral artery disease goes down after quitting
• Cervical cancer risk is reduced after quitting
• Low birth weight risk drops to normal if you quit before
pregnancy (sometimes if you quit during first trimester) ❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

Get moving in the new year
According to research, more than 30 percent of Americans
who make New Year’s resolutions focus on their health,
especially their waistlines. The problem is if you aren’t in the habit of
exercising, it can be difficult to start. The following tips for beginning
an exercise regime may help you keep that resolution and focus on
the fun side of exercise.
See your doctor
If you haven’t seriously exercised for a while, or if you have
health problems that may limit your endurance, see your doctor
before starting a new
exercise program. An
annual checkup and your
doctor’s encouragement
may help fuel your desire
to succeed. Your checkup
also will provide valuable
information on your blood
pressure, weight and blood
chemistry that can be used
to gauge your progress (see article on Page 19.)
Do it for fun
If you view exercise as a chore, it will be much more difficult to
stay the course. Choose activities that are fun, not exhausting, and
find a variety of things to do. Some suggestions include:
• Learn to play golf and follow the Arkansas Golf Trail, marking off
courses as played.
• Take a yoga class and think of it
more as a chance to meet new
people.
• Get the names of all the miniature
golf courses in the state and play
those.
• Hike Arkansas’ nature trails and
mark them off on a map as you
complete them.
• Climb Mount Everest — and never
leave town. Convert the stairs at
work or to your apartment, or to the upstairs at your home to
the distance to the summit of Everest and take the stairs until you
reach the same distance.
• Resolve to take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator at
the mall.
• Park in the farthest parking spot at the grocery store and walk
the distance.
• Listen to fun, new music when you exercise and make it a time to
expand your musical tastes. You also can listen to audio books to
expand your knowledge.
• Make a date with a machine
— exercise equipment that is — learn
about different exercise equipment
and try out something new each month
or so.
• Get away from anything with a screen (television, computer,
video game) for a certain amount of time each day and
participate in an activity.
Make it easy on yourself
• Wear comfortable, properly fitted footwear and comfortable,
loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the weather and the
activity.
• Find a convenient time and place
to do activities. Try to make it a
habit, but be flexible. If you miss an
exercise opportunity, work another
activity into your day.
• Surround yourself with supportive
people. Decide what kind of
support you need. Do you want
them to remind you to exercise? Should they ask about your
progress? Do you want them to participate with you? Do you
need personal time to exercise alone? Do you want them to go
with you to special events, like a 5K walk/run?
• Don’t overdo it. Do low- to moderate-level activities, especially
at first. You slowly can increase the duration and intensity of
your activities as you become more fit. Eventually, work up to
exercising on most days of the week for 30-60 minutes.
• Keep a record of your activities and reward yourself with
healthy motivators like massages or new clothes to fit your new
physique. Nothing motivates like success! ❊
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Blue & You Winter 2006

Stress, stress everywhere stress:
others. A major life decision — such as changing careers — might
be overwhelming for some people, while others may welcome
the change. Some find waiting in long lines at the grocery store
overwhelming, while others take it in stride. The key is determining
your personal tolerance levels for stressful situations.
8
For you, tight deadlines at work may cause you to utter that alltoo-familiar,
all-American phrase … “I’m stressed out!” For your
neighbor, stress may be caused by the loss of a parent … and for
your child, it may be too many extracurricular activities coupled
with hours of homework each night.
Stress means that the demands life is placing on you have
exceeded your ability to cope. Stress is hard to define because it
means different things to different people; however, it’s clear that
most stress is a negative feeling rather than a positive feeling.
In some cases, people almost feel at a standstill — with so much
to cope with that they don’t even know where to begin.
What is stress?
Physical stress is the result of too much to do, not enough sleep,
a poor diet or the result of illness. Mental stress is caused when you
worry about things such as finances, retirement or experience an
emotionally devastating event, such as the loss of your job.
However, stress mainly comes from less traumatic experiences
— usually stress is caused by common everyday pressures and
obligations. Stress causes your body to automatically increase your
blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, metabolism and blood flow
to your muscles. This is a natural reaction to help your body react
quickly and effectively to high-pressure situations.
External events may cause stress and can make the “stressed
out” person feel out of control.
Stress can cause physical, emotional and behavioral disorders,
which can affect your health, vitality and peace-of-mind, as well as
personal and professional relationships. Too much stress can cause
relatively minor illnesses like insomnia, backaches or headaches,
and can contribute to potentially life-threatening diseases like high
blood pressure and heart disease.
Do I have too much stress in my life?
Remember, each person handles stress differently. Some
people actually seek out situations which may appear stressful to
How does stress affect my health?
Everyone has stress. We have short-term stress, like missing a
turn off from an unfamiliar highway. Even everyday events, such as
getting your child to soccer practice or fixing a meal that the whole
family enjoys, can be stressful. This kind of stress can make us feel
worried or anxious.
Other times, we face long-term stress, such as a life-threatening
illness or divorce. These stressful events also affect your health on
many levels. Long-term stress is real and can increase your risk for
some health problems, like depression.
Both short- and long-term stress can have effects on your body.
Research is starting to show the serious effects of stress on our
bodies. Stress triggers changes in our bodies and makes us more
likely to get sick.
What are some early signs of stress?
Stress can take on many different forms, and can contribute to
symptoms of illness. Common symptoms include headache, sleep
disorders, difficulty concentrating, short-temper, upset stomach,
job dissatisfaction, low morale, depression and anxiety.
Does stress cause ulcers?
Doctors used to think that ulcers were caused by stress and
spicy foods. Now, we know that stress doesn’t cause ulcers — it just
irritates them. Ulcers actually are caused by a bacterium (germ)
called H. pylori. Researchers don’t yet know for sure how people
get it. They think people might get it through food or water. It’s
treated with a combination of antibiotics and other drugs.
Stressful life events
Any change in our lives can be stressful — even some of the
happiest ones like having a baby or taking a new job. Here are
some of life’s most stressful events.
• Death of a spouse
• Divorce
• Marital separation
• Spending time in jail
• Death of a close family member
• Personal illness or injury
• Marriage
• Pregnancy
• Retirement ❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

Having trouble coping? Let us help you!
How do women tend to react to stress?
We all deal with stressful things like traffic, arguments with
spouses and the feeling of being overwhelmed at work. Some
researchers think that women handle stress in a unique way: They
tend and befriend.
• Tend: Women protect and care for their children
• Befriend: Women seek out and receive social support
During stress, women tend to their children and find support
from their friends. Women’s bodies make chemicals that are
believed to promote these responses. One of these chemicals
is oxytocin (ahk-see-toe-sin), which has a calming effect during
stress. This is the same chemical
released during childbirth and
found at higher levels in breastfeeding
mothers. Women
also have the hormone
estrogen, which boosts the
effects of oxytocin. Men,
however, have high levels of
testosterone during stress,
which blocks the calming
effects of oxytocin.
How can I cope with stress?
As you read the following suggestions, remember that
success will not come from a half-hearted effort, nor will it come
overnight. It will take time and dedication. Some suggestions
may help immediately, but if your stress is chronic, it may require
more attention and/or lifestyle changes. Determine your personal
tolerance level for stress and try to live within these limits. Learn to
accept or change stressful and tense situations whenever possible.
• Take care of yourself. Eat regular, balanced meals, including
breakfast. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and exercise.
• Be realistic. You may be taking on more responsibility than
you can or should handle. Eliminate an activity that is not
absolutely necessary.
• Take one thing at a time. For people under stress, an
ordinary workload can sometimes seem unbearable. Cope
by taking one task at a time. You will get a positive feeling by
checking tasks off of your “to do” list.
• Develop friendships at work and outside the office.
Sharing unsettling feelings with people you trust is the first
step toward resolving them. Minimize activities with “negative”
people who only reinforce bad feelings.
• Take time off. Take a vacation or a long weekend. During the
workday, take short breaks.
• Meditate. If you spend 10 to 20 minutes a day with simple,
quiet reflection, it may bring relief from chronic stress. Use the
Possible effects of long-term stress
• Trouble sleeping
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Lack of energy
• Lack of concentration
• Eating too much or not at all
• Anger
• Sadness
• Higher risk of asthma and arthritis flare-ups
• Tension
• Stomach cramping and/or bloating
• Skin problems
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Weight gain or loss
• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Neck and/or back pain ❊
time to listen to music, relax and think of pleasant things in
your life.
• Set limits. When necessary, learn to say no in a friendly but
firm manner.
• Choose battles wisely. Don’t rush to argue every time
someone disagrees with you. Keep a cool head, and save your
energy for things that really matter. Better yet, try not to argue
at all.
• Have an outlet. Read, enjoy a hobby, exercise or get involved
in some other activity that is relaxing and gets your mind off of
your worries.
• Seek help. If none of these things relieves your feelings of
stress or burnout, ask a health-care professional for advice.
Just remember …
Try not to sweat the small stuff! Do the really important things
and let the rest slide — getting worked up over every little thing
will only increase your stress level. Remember, you’re not alone
— everyone has stresses in their lives … it’s up to you to choose how
to deal with them.
Stress, continued on Page 10
9
Blue & You Winter 2006

Say good-bye to dry skin!
10
Does winter have your skin
feeling like one of those
dry, dead leaves that still graces
your lawn? While children have
roses for cheeks in the crisp air,
do you have something more
like onionskin? Then it’s time
to give yourself a
special present
this holiday
season — get
your own skin
back!
While
humidity
levels in the South are typically higher than the rest of the country
during winter, indoor heating, blasts of winter wind and bright
winter sunshine still can do damage. And once skin becomes
stressed, it can lead to itching, rashes, infections and — you guessed
it — more damage.
So, how do you break this Every time you wash
vicious cycle?
Your skin is packed with tiny your skin you strip
glands, which secrete oil. Every
time you wash your skin, you strip away some of the oil
away some of the oil and allow
moisture to escape. So to protect
and allow moisture
your skin, you need to protect the
oil in your skin.
to escape. So to
There are myriad of products
available to protect your skin by
protect your skin,
trapping moisture, but you need
to look closely at the ingredients.
Petrolatum, mineral oil and lanolin
you need to protect
can prevent a loss of moisture,
while glycerin, propylene glycol, the oil in your skin.
proteins, and certain vitamins can
pull moisture to your outer skin layer. Check labels and remember,
the higher up an ingredient is listed, the more of it the product
contains.
Stock your medicine cabinet and home with the following:
• An emollient-rich beauty bar, replacing your usual body soap
• Petroleum jelly
• Lip balm
• Therapeutic lotion
• Body oil
• Sunscreen for your face
• A humidity gauge
• A humidifier
While it is tempting to walk in from the cold and plunge into
a hot, steamy bath or shower, your skin may remind you of the
mistake later. Take warm — not hot — baths and showers. Hot water
breaks up body oils and washes them away. Other ways to prevent
dry skin include:
• Add bath oils to your bath water and keep the temperature mild.
• Use an emollient-rich beauty bar.
• Use lotion or hair conditioner for shaving.
• Exfoliate with a washcloth to remove dead, flaky skin.
• Use body oil or lotion as soon as you get out of the shower.
• Coat your lips with a medicated lip balm as soon as they begin
feeling chapped.
• Seal problem areas with petroleum jelly.
• Steer clear of astringents.
• Use hand cream immediately after
washing your hands.
• Wear warm mittens or
gloves when you’re
outside and wear
rubber gloves when
washing dishes.
• Use a humidifier in
your home.
Winter sun
Winter sun is just as
intense as the summer sun,
and sun reflected off snow can
actually increase your risk of sunburn.
Make sure you use face lotions or makeup with an SPF of 15 or
higher. Even on a cloudy day, the sun can cause damage to your
skin. Use lip balm liberally when out in the sun.
Stress, continued from Page 9
For more information . . .
You can find out more about stress by contacting the National
Women’s Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-
9662 or the following organization:
National Institute of Mental Health
Telephone: 301-443-4513
Internet Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, National Women’s
Health Information Center, National Institutes of Health
(MedlinePlus), and KidsHealth.org
❊
❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

Stay safe in the ice and snow
• Allow extra time when traveling and let others know your
estimated arrival time and travel route.
• Take a charged cellular phone with you. Be aware that ice on cell
towers can disrupt signals.
• Monitor weather conditions carefully before you leave and
adhere to travel advisories. A portable National Oceanic and
Air Administration (NOAA) weather radio is an excellent way
to receive updated weather information.
• Keep a winter storm survival kit in your car. This should include
blankets, food, water, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies.
• Keep your car’s gas tank full. This keeps the fuel line from
freezing.
Winter snow and ice can be beautiful, but it can create
dangerous situations for you and your family. Whether you
are traveling or staying around the home, follow these helpful
tips to keep your family rosy-cheeked and safe during “the most
wonderful time of the year.”
Hypothermia and frostbite
Even if the air only has a slight chill, people and especially
children, can begin to feel the effects of hypothermia if they are
not dressed warmly. The likelihood of illness depends on physical
activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, age
and state of health. Follow these tips to stay safe in cold weather:
• Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid
overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.
• Most of your body heat is lost through your head. Wear a hat
when you go outdoors, preferably one that covers your ears.
• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and
dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
• Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm your core body
temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup.
Drinking caffeine or alcohol can create more problems for
people with hypothermia or frostbite.
Hypothermia warning signs include: confusion, dizziness,
exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite warning signs include:
gray, white or yellow skin discoloration and numb, waxy feeling skin.
Seek medical attention immediately for either of these conditions.
Winter travel
Families love being together over the holidays, but winter
weather shouldn’t be ignored. If you are questioning whether it is
a good idea to drive during wintry weather, it probably isn’t. If you
must travel, follow these safety tips:
Dressing children for winter
Children love being in the snow, but
they can get too cold very quickly. The
rule of thumb for older babies and young
children is to dress them in one more layer
of clothing than an adult would wear in the
same situation. For newborn babies:
• Dress them in several layers of light clothing to keep them warm.
Avoid overheating.
• Loose bedding may contribute
to Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS). Warm
footed pajamas are preferred.
• If a blanket must be used, tuck
it in around the crib mattress so
the infant’s face is less likely to
become covered by bedding.
Winter health
If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air
humidifier in his or her room at night. Saline nose drops may help to
keep nasal tissues moist. If bleeding is severe or recurrent, consult
your pediatrician.
Winter air can quickly dry out skin. Many pediatricians feel that
bathing two or three times a week is enough for an infant. Persistent
rashes and dry skin may be a sign of eczema.
Cold weather does not cause colds or flu, but those viruses
tend to be more prevalent in the winter. Teach your child to wash
his or her hands frequently and to sneeze or cough into a tissue. In
a polite way, explain that they should keep away from others who
sneeze and cough to reduce their risk of catching a virus. Children
between the ages of 6 and 23 months should get an influenza
vaccine to reduce their risk of getting the flu. ❊
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, American
Red Cross
Blue & You Winter 2006
11

Checking up on your child’s health:
from infancy through the teen years
12
If your child is one of those
who stays relatively healthy
and happy, that is wonderful,
but they still need to visit the
doctor at regular intervals for
well-child checkups. These visits
can help to detect and prevent health
problems before they become serious.
During a routine health check, your child’s doctor can provide
immunizations, assess physical and emotional development and
discuss good health habits with you and your child.
Routine checkups are a good time for you, as a parent, to ask
your child’s pediatrician about what to expect as your child grows.
Prepare a list of questions for the doctor concerning your child’s
health, growth and behavior. Make sure you mention events or
activities in your child’s life that might affect his or her well-being.
Below is a list of important issues or concerns you might want to
talk to your pediatrician about.
• Inform the doctor of any recent stresses in the family that may
affect your child, such as death, loss of job or conflicts.
• Tell the doctor if your child has had any recent injuries or was
diagnosed elsewhere with any diseases or conditions.
• List any prescriptions, nonprescription medications, herbal or
nutritional supplements that your child might be taking.
• List any allergies to medications, food or other substances.
• Discuss any concerns you have about your child’s:
˙ Sleeping
˙ Eating
˙ Bowel or bladder
˙ Speech and language
˙ Hearing
˙ Behavior
˙ Physical growth and coordination
˙ Emotional state
˙ School or daycare.
What to expect at a routine checkup
Infants
Infants should be seen at two weeks, and then again at 1, 2, 3,
4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age. During the first two years,
the doctor will measure your baby’s height, weight and head
circumference. The doctor also will listen to your child’s lungs
and heart. Between the first visit at two weeks old and the visit
at 18 months old, your child will receive many immunizations.
They should get their hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus,
pertussis (whooping cough), poliovirus, rotavirus, measles, mumps,
rubella, pneumoccocal and varicella (chicken pox) vaccines.
A complete list of all immunizations is available on the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at www.
cdc.gov. The
2006 Childhood
and Adolescent
Immunization
Schedule is
recommended
by the CDC, the
American Academy
of Pediatrics and the
American Academy
of Family Physicians.
Toddlers
Toddlers need checkups at ages 2, 3, and 4. After age 2 doctors
measure height, weight and blood pressure. They conduct lung
and chest exams and check reflexes and look for any signs of
developmental disorders.
Elementary school age
Children usually go for another routine checkup around the age
of 5 so they can get any remaining immunizations that the state
requires for school enrollment. Elementary school kids may go
for a checkup every year, but if they are healthy, it’s acceptable for
them only to go to the doctor at ages 6, 8 and 10.
Tweens and teens
New booster shots and immunizations have emerged in
recent years that can protect your child far into adulthood. The
meningococcal conjugate vaccine should be given around 11
or 12 years old to reduce the incidence of a rare but potentially
lethal bacterial infection. The new tetanus, diphtheria and acellular
pertussis (whooping cough) booster should be given around the
same time. Now, the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is
recommended for girls ages 11 and up. During the tween years,
most kids start going through puberty, so your child may want to
talk to their doctor about acne, hormones and other concerns
or issues.
Many children become upset and frightened when they realize
they will be getting a shot at the doctor’s office. You can help your
child through these visits by explaining that the shot will keep them
healthy and by bringing a favorite toy for them to hug. Singing a
song together can help distract them from the shot itself. You might
also try blowing bubbles or having them squeeze your hand as hard
as the shot hurts. Afterward, reward them with hugs and kisses and
a special fun time that they get to choose.
❊
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Blue & You Winter 2006

Did you know that chicken may fight colon cancer? Or that
eating a banana promotes relaxation? Some foods taste good
and are good for you. To help you reach for the right foods that will
play a role in the “new you” for 2007, below are details on some of
the foods that “fight back.”
Chicken
A recent study featured in The American Journal of
Gastroenterology showed that certain patterns in diet may affect
the development of precancerous polyps of the colon.
In the study, more than 1,500 patients underwent baseline
colonoscopies to remove existing polyps. They also were surveyed
about their diet. After periods of one year and four years, the group
underwent follow-up colonoscopies to determine if any of the
polyps had returned. Those participants who had consumed higher
levels of processed meats showed a greater risk of developing
precancerous polyps. Those with diets higher in certain white
meats, such as chicken, were less prone to the risk. Previous
studies have explored whether fiber intake affects the growth and
development of colorectal adenomas and cancer, however, this
study found no significant evidence to suggest an
association. The same was determined for dietary
intake of fat and red meat.
According to the National Cancer Institute and
U.S. National Institutes of Health, colorectal cancer
is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in
men (after prostate cancer and lung cancer) and in
women (after breast cancer and lung cancer). It is the
second leading cause of cancer death in the United
States with more than 57,000 people dying from
colorectal cancer each year.
Fish
Researchers who reviewed numerous studies on the health
impact of eating fish have concluded that avoiding modest fish
consumption due to confusion regarding risks and benefits could
result in thousands of excess coronary heart disease deaths
annually. They found that eating fish reduces risk of coronary death
by a stunning 36 percent and the rate of death by 17 percent.
The report recently was published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA). The benefits of regularly eating
fish outweigh the danger from mercury and other contaminants
(even for pregnant women and children), according to the report
released in JAMA and another report released by the Institute
of Medicine (IOM). The reports pointed to benefits for both the
young and the old. According to the study released in the October
2006 issue of JAMA, the adult death rate from heart disease
was 36 percent lower among those who ate fish twice a week
compared to those who ate little or no seafood. Overall mortality
was 17 percent lower, the study by the Harvard School of Public
Health researchers found.
Additionally, the federally funded report from the IOM agreed
with the conclusion that the heart benefits of eating seafood
outweighed the risks and that children also benefit from the healthy
fats found in seafood.
Foods
that
fight
disease
Fruits and vegetables
Everyone knows that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is
good for you. And, there is compelling evidence that a diet rich with
fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In the largest and longest study ever conducted as part of the
Harvard-based Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals
Follow-up Study that included almost 110,000 men and women
whose health and dietary habits were followed for 14 years, the
higher the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables, the lower
the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Those who
averaged eight or more servings a day were 30 percent less likely
to have had a heart attack or stroke (compared to those who
averaged 1.5 servings a day).
One of the most convincing associations between diet and
blood pressure was found in the Dietary Approaches to Stop
Hypertension (DASH) study. This trial examined the effect on
blood pressure of a diet that was rich in fruits, vegetables and
low-fat dairy products and that restricted the amount of saturated
and total fat. The researchers found that people with high blood
pressure who followed this diet reduced their systolic blood
pressure (the upper number of a blood pressure
reading) and their diastolic blood pressure (the
lower number).
Eating more fruits and vegetables also can help
lower cholesterol. In the National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute’s Family Heart Study, the 4,466
subjects consumed on average a shade more than
three servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Men
and women with the highest daily consumption
(more than four servings a day) had significantly
lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol than those
with lower consumption.
Nuts and seeds
Pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds contain nutrients that
may protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts,
chronic fatigue syndrome and macular degeneration. Almonds,
pecans and pistachios are rich in protein, and most nuts are a good
source of fiber. Nuts do have a high fat content, but these fats are
mostly unsaturated fats. This type of fat actually decreases the level
of “bad” LDL cholesterol and helps maintain the desirable levels of
“good” HDL cholesterol. According to the Linus Pauling Institute
at Oregon State University, most studies show that regular nut
consumption is associated with significantly lower cardiovascular
disease.
To preserve their essential fats and nutrients (and to keep them
from going bad), either refrigerate or freeze seeds in airtight
containers.
Eat for your health
Eating healthy, natural food is a good start to a healthier you.
Make a commitment today to eat the foods that are good … and
good for you.
❊
13
Blue & You Winter 2006

14
Are you waiting for the magic weight-
If you are hoping for the magic weight-loss pill or that special diet
that promises (and delivers) that you can “eat all you want and
still lose weight” — you are in for a long wait. There is no easy way
to lose weight. It takes patience, willpower and dedication. You
didn’t put the weight on overnight, and it won’t come off while you
sleep either. The only healthy way to lose weight is to eat less and
exercise more. With a sensible diet, you can lose one to two pounds
per week, and you will feel better just knowing you are doing
something for yourself. Within a few months, your hard work will
show up in your new, healthy body.
The beginning of a New Year always is a great time to make
New Year’s resolutions, and what is everyone’s favorite resolution?
Lose weight. This year, change yours to “be a healthier me.” If you
exercise and eat healthy foods, your reward will be better health
as well as weight loss. You will have more energy, and you will feel
better. Don’t give up if the weight is not falling off quickly; it takes
time. Make a commitment to rid your life of bad eating habits, and
focus on eating those foods that are good for you.
To be a healthier person, eat a balanced diet complete with food
from all food groups, control your portion size (this is the key) and
limit your intake of sweets, chips and other obvious snack foods.
(See related article on Page 15.)
If you decide to devote yourself to a “fad” diet, you probably will
get tired of eating the same foods and just give up.
According to a report by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, most diets can help people lose weight, but only
moderate-fat, well-balanced weight-reduction plans seem to keep
the pounds off for good. Traditional programs, recommended by
organizations such as the American Heart Association and Weight
Watchers, have scientific evidence to back up their success rates.
Obesity epidemic
About one-third of adults in the United States are overweight,
and 32.2 percent are obese, according to data from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003 to
2004. Other statistics are just as alarming:
• About 3.8 million Americans weigh more than 300 pounds.
• Approximately 400,000 Americans (mostly men) fall into the
400+ pound category.
• Eight out of 10 adults above the age of 25 are overweight.
• Since 1990, there has been a 76 percent increase in type II
diabetes in adults 30-40 years old, and 80 percent of the
diagnosis of type II diabetes is related to obesity.
• 70 percent of cardiovascular disease is related to obesity.
• 42 percent of breast and colon cancer is diagnosed among
obese individuals.
For more information about The Healthy Weigh! Education Program,
visit www.ArkansasBlueCross.com/health_plans/healthy_weigh.aspx or
www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com/health_plans/healthy_weigh.aspx.
• 30 percent of
gall bladder
surgery is
related to
obesity.
• 26 percent of
obese people
have high blood
pressure.
There are a
number of methods
used to determine
if someone is
overweight or
obese. Some
are based on
the relationship
between height
and weight; others
are based on
measurements
of body fat. The
most commonly
used method
today is the body
mass index (BMI).
BMI is an index of
weight adjusted
for the height of
an individual. BMI
is a calculation
based on height
and weight, and
it is not genderspecific
in adults.
BMI does not
directly measure
percent of body
fat, but it is a more
accurate indicator
of overweight and
obesity than relying on weight alone. To determine BMI, multiply
weight in pounds by 704.5 *, divide the result by height in inches,
and then divide that result by height in inches a second time. (You
also can use the BMI calculator at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.)
The cost of obesity
As overweight and obesity has increased in the United States,
so have related health-care
costs — both direct and indirect.
Direct health-care costs refer to
Blue & You Winter 2006

loss pill?
preventive, diagnostic and
treatment services such as visits to the doctor, medications
and hospital and nursing home care. Indirect costs are the
value of wages lost by people unable to work because of
illness or disability, as well as the value of future earnings
lost by early death.
Get up and move!
Statistics show that only 26 percent of U.S. adults
engage in vigorous leisure-time physical activity three
or more times per week (defined as periods of vigorous
physical activity lasting 10 minutes or more). About 59
percent of adults do no vigorous physical activity at all in
their leisure time.
Approximately 25 percent of young people (age 12 to
21) participate in light-to-moderate activity (e.g., walking,
bicycling) nearly every day. About 50 percent regularly
engage in vigorous physical activity. Approximately 25
percent report no vigorous physical activity.
It’s obvious that Americans are too sedentary. For
information on how to start an exercise program, see
article on Page 7.
Are you ready to lose weight?
To lose weight, you must take matters into your own
hands by eating smart and exercising more to help you live
a longer, healthier life.
To help our members with their weight loss efforts,
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health
Advantage offer The Healthy Weigh! Education Program.
To enroll in the program, complete the enrollment form
included in this issue of Blue & You, sign it and return in the
self-address postage paid envelope included in this issue
of Blue & You.
For more information, call 1-800-686-2609. ❊
BMI Categories endorsed by the
National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute:
• Underweight = Less than 18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5 – 24.9
• Overweight = 25 – 29.9
• Obesity = 30 or greater
* The multiplier 704.5 is used by the National Institutes
of Health (NIH). Other organizations may use a slightly
different multiplier; for example, the American Dietetic
Association suggests multiplying by 700. The variation in
outcome (a few tenths) is insignificant.
Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
(Following are some of the dietary guidelines recommended by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture)
• Engage in regular physical activity and reduce sedentary activities to
promote health, psychological well-being and a healthy body weight.
• To reduce the risk of chronic disease in adulthood: Engage in at
least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, above usual
activity, at work or home on most days of the week.
• To help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy body
weight gain in adulthood: Engage in approximately 60 minutes of
moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity on most days of the week
while not exceeding caloric intake requirements.
• Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying
within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and two and one-half cups of
vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie
intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.
• Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. Select from all
five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy
vegetables and other vegetables) several times a week.
• Consume three or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products
per day, with the rest of the recommended grains coming from
enriched or whole-grain products. In general, at least half the grains
should come from whole grains.
• Consume three cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent
milk products.
• Consume less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fatty acids
and less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol, and keep trans fatty acid
consumption as low as possible.
• Keep total fat intake between 20 to 35 percent of calories, with most
fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated
fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
• When selecting and preparing meat, poultry, dry beans, and milk or
milk products, make choices that are lean, low-fat or fat-free.
• Limit intake of fats and oils high in saturated and/or trans fatty acids,
and choose products low in such fats and oils.
• Choose fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains often.
• Consume less than 2,300 mg (approximately 1 teaspoon of salt) of
sodium per day.
• Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly
and in moderation (defined as the consumption of up to one drink per
day for women and up to two drinks per day for men).
• Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals,
including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women
who may become pregnant, women who are pregnant or lactating,
children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can
interact with alcohol, and those with specific medical conditions.
• Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in
activities that require attention, skill or coordination, such as driving or
operating machinery.
❊
15
Blue & You Winter 2006

16
Health Education Programs help start the new year right
Starting a new year with a new you can be difficult if you have
a chronic illness or are expecting a baby. Let Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield help you with our specialized Health
Education Programs. These free programs include information on:
• Cardiovascular health
• Diabetes
• Low back pain
• Respiratory health
• Special Delivery for expectant mothers
• The Healthy Weigh! weight-loss program
Most programs are available to Arkansas Blue Cross, Health
Advantage and eligible BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas
groups. Please call 1-800-686-2609 to determine your eligibility
before you enroll.
The Cardiovascular Education Program helps people with
both high blood pressure and high cholesterol manage their illness
by helping them understand their individual risk factors for heart
disease. The program works on lowering the risk factors for heart
disease that are within your control and helps you communicate
your needs and concerns to your health-care provider. Through
the program, you may prevent complications common with these
illnesses.
The Diabetes Education Program recognizes that for those
diagnosed with diabetes, managing the disease is a significant
part of your daily routine until there is a cure. This process involves
you, those close to you, your physician and other caregivers. This
program is designed to help you prevent complications common
with diabetes and quickly and effectively resolve acute episodes of
illness associated with your diabetes.
The Low Back Pain Education Program is designed for
people who may be at risk for, or already have developed, chronic
back pain. Participants in the program learn about their individual
risk factors for chronic back pain complications. You can work on
decreasing pain, improving function, gaining control over your
condition and returning to a normal lifestyle.
The Respiratory Illness Education Program is for people
who have chronic respiratory infections due to a poor immune
system or other chronic condition, such as asthma. The program
helps you know more about the causes of respiratory infections,
how they are spread and how they can be treated most effectively.
The Special Delivery prenatal-care program employs three
strategies — education, assessment and interventions — to help
expectant mothers and their physicians prevent preterm births
caused by high-risk prenatal conditions. Each expectant mom will
receive educational materials and coupons by mail to encourage
good health practices during pregnancy, including materials to
increase her awareness of symptoms that may signal preterm labor.
The Healthy Weigh! Education Program provides
participants with information on how to start an exercise program,
tips for parents of overweight children, tools to understand
your triggers for eating, and much more. (The sign-up form is
included in this issue of Blue & You!)
All Health Education Programs provide access to registered
nurse case managers, health information and education from
community and national resources and information mailed to
network physicians. Participants also will receive a health-care
resource list, which includes telephone numbers and Web site
addresses to help members locate community resources, classes
and other sources of information.
Participants will be asked to complete a survey to let us know
how the program is working for them so that we can serve you
better in the future.
To enroll in a Health Education Program, go to the Arkansas
Blue Cross, Health Advantage or BlueAdvantage Web sites to
download and complete the enrollment form and send it to your
regional office (or call a registered nurse case manager at your
nearest regional office). The programs are completely voluntary,
and you may choose to leave a program at any time. ❊
NOTE: Health Education Programs are for educational purposes
only. We do not offer medical advice or medical services. You
always should consult your treating physician for any medical advice
or services you may need. You, as a member, are responsible for
selecting providers, services or products. All suggested health
services may not be covered under your health plan. Please check
your member benefits for coverage of services. Information furnished
by you is kept strictly confidential and only used to provide us with
the information necessary for your participation in the Health
Education Programs.
Get more information on the Health Education Programs by visiting
www.ArkansasBlueCross.com/health_plans/health_education.aspx or
www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com/health_plans/health_education.aspx.
Blue & You Winter 2006

Are you prepared
for pregnancy?
“Mankind owes to the child the best it has to give.”
— United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
Thank goodness for modern medicine. In days past, many
mothers and their babies did not survive pregnancy and
childbirth. Now, there is better technology, more medications and
a wealth of information to help women have a healthy pregnancy.
Good prenatal care significantly can improve the quality of the
pregnancy and the outcome for mom and baby.
What can you do to be healthier during your
pregnancy?
• Good nutrition and health habits before and during pregnancy
• Frequent prenatal examinations to detect early problems
• Choose a physician to help you through your pregnancy
• Routine ultrasounds to detect fetal abnormalities and problems
• Routine screening for:
˙ Sexually transmitted diseases
˙ Rubella immunity
˙ Blood type problems (Rh and ABO)
˙ Diabetes
˙ Genetic disorders — if there is a family history or the age
of the mother indicates the need
˙ Blood pressure abnormalities
˙ Urine protein
Prenatal care goals include:
• Monitor mom and baby throughout the pregnancy.
• Identify anything that could change the outlook for the
pregnancy from normal to high-risk.
• Explain nutritional requirements throughout the pregnancy and
postpartum period.
• Explain activity recommendations or restrictions.
• Address common complaints that may arise during pregnancy
(for example: backache, joint pain, nausea, heartburn,
headaches, urinary frequency, leg cramps and constipation) and
how to manage them — preferably without medications.
Women who are considering becoming pregnant, or who are
pregnant, should eat a balanced diet and take a vitamin and mineral
supplement that includes at least 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms)
of folic acid. This level of folic acid supplement has been shown to
decrease the risk of certain abnormalities (such as spina bifida).
Pregnant women are advised to avoid all medications, unless the
medications are necessary and recommended by their physician.
Women should discuss all medication use with their physicians.
Things to avoid during pregnancy
• Alcohol and drug use
• Smoking
• Herbal preparations and common over-the-counter
medications
Prenatal visits are typically scheduled:
• Every four weeks during the first 32 weeks of gestation;
• Every two weeks from 32 to 36 weeks of gestation;
• Weekly from 36 weeks to delivery.
Weight gain, blood pressure, fundal height and fetal heart tones
(as appropriate) usually are measured and recorded at each visit,
and routine urine screening tests are performed.
When should you call your doctor?
• Call for an appointment after you have determined you are
pregnant.
• Call your physician if you suspect you are pregnant and are
on medications for diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures or high
blood pressure.
• Notify your physician if you are pregnant and have been
Pregnancy, continued on Page 18
17
Blue & You Winter 2006

18
Pregnancy, continued from Page 17
exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, chemicals, radiation
or unusual pollutants.
• Call your physician if you are pregnant and notice any amount
of vaginal bleeding, your membranes rupture (water breaks), or
you experience physical or severe emotional trauma.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
Women with high-risk pregnancies may need care from
specialists or a team of health-care providers to help promote
healthy pregnancy and birth.
Risk factors may include:
• Young or old maternal age
• Being overweight or underweight
• Having had problems in previous pregnancies, such as a
miscarriage, stillbirth or preterm labor or premature birth.
• Pre-existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure,
diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
Special Delivery:
Added benefit for expectant mothers
The Special Delivery Program is a pregnancy program offered
as an additional benefit to our members. The program is
designed to help our members have healthier pregnancies. It was
created with three strategies in mind — education, assessment and
intervention — to educate the expectant mother in the prevention of
preterm births secondary to high-risk prenatal conditions.
The Special Delivery program is available to Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and eligible
BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas members regardless of
their pregnancy-risk status.
The program is free to expectant mothers. Once registered,
each expectant mom will receive educational materials and
coupons by mail to encourage good health practices during
pregnancy, including materials to increase her awareness of
symptoms that may signal preterm labor.
The Special Delivery nurse can assist in coordinating coverage
of home-health care in lieu of hospitalization for the high-risk
patient whose physician feels she would benefit from this alternative
care. Through case management, we can provide coverage of
services that are not normally offered, such as skilled-nursing
assessments and nursing-assistant care in the home for conditions
including pregnancy-induced hypertension, diabetes mellitus and
preterm labor.
During pregnancy, problems also may develop even in a woman
who was previously healthy. These may include (but are not limited
to) gestational diabetes or preclampsia/eclampsia.
Just remember … it’s important to follow doctor’s orders when it
comes to a healthy pregnancy.
❊
Sources: WebMD.
com and the
National Institute
of Child Health
and Human
Development
How to enroll
Expectant
mothers should
enroll by the 14 th week of pregnancy. The expectant mother will
complete a risk assessment brochure where she answers a series of
basic questions. The questions are designed to identify factors that
may put the mother and/or baby at risk. If risk exists, the expectant
mother is followed throughout her pregnancy to determine if
home-health care is appropriate.
Online enrollment is available through My Blueprint, our
member self-service center. For more information, please call
1-800-742-6457 or 210-7032 (Little Rock) or e-mail
SpecialDelivery@arkbluecross.com.
❊
Note: No member should ever rely on any advice or information from the
Special Delivery nurse as a substitute for the advice of her own physician.
The Special Delivery program is not a substitute for the health-care
services and advice of her physician and does not assume responsibility
for her medical care or advice. It is intended solely to provide general
education as well as assistance in accessing health-plan benefits related
to her pregnancy. You should always consult your own physician and
follow his or her advice and direction with respect to all aspects of your or
your child’s medical care.
Need more information on the Special Delivery Program? Visit us at
www.ArkansasBlueCross.com/health_plans/special_delivery.aspx or
www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com/health_plans/special_delivery.aspx.
Blue & You Winter 2006

Getting into the checkup routine
According to medical experts, if you are in good health in your
20s, 30s and 40s, you only may need a full medical checkup
once every four to five years.
But once the halfcentury
mark rolls
around, annual
screenings can
become lifesavers.
In the prime
Even if you are
feeling great and doing
all the healthy things you should,
don’t ignore the tests doctors say you should have at least every five
years if you are between the ages of 20 and 50.
A complete blood count (CBC) can tell your doctor a lot about
your body’s overall health. A CBC measures all three types of
blood cells present in a blood sample: red blood cells, white blood
cells and platelets. Too much or not enough of these three cells can
indicate an illness.
Your doctor also will order a basic blood chemistry test to assess
a wide range of conditions and the function of your organs. Blood
tests check electrolytes, the minerals that help keep the body’s fluid
levels in balance, and are necessary to help the muscles, heart and
other organs work properly. Blood tests also look for cholesterol,
sugar and blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, which can indicate
poor kidney health.
Cancer
screenings
Several cancer
screenings should
begin at least
by age 50, if not
before.
Breast cancer
— Women should start
getting an annual mammogram
beginning at age 40 — even earlier if there is a close family history.
From then on, yearly mammograms are a must.
Cervical cancer — While doctors mostly are concerned about
cervical cancer in younger women, older women still face some
risk. After menopause, a pap smear should be done every two to
three years.
Prostate cancer — Men should get an annual rectal exam to
check the prostate once they reach age 50.
Colon cancer — At age 50, an initial colonoscopy can
determine if there are any suspicious polyps or other possible
indications of colon cancer. While a colonoscopy only is needed
about every 10 years, noninvasive tests such as fecal occult blood
sampling should be conducted annually.
Bone density
Osteoporosis
can be an insidious
illness, silently
robbing bones
of their density
until a slight
stumble leads to a
life-threatening break.
A bone density test can
determine how much bone has been
lost. Women should have one after age 50 and men should have
one after age 70. Thanks to research, several new medications are
available to help stop bone loss and even
rebuild bones.
Eyes and ears
Hearing and
vision loss can
happen rapidly
after 50, but can
be gradual enough
that you might not
notice a difference right
away. An annual test quickly
can determine if you are losing sight or hearing.
Brown bag it
When you visit your doctor, put all of your medications in a bag,
and bring them with you. The
bag should include any
over-the-counter
or prescription
drugs, herbs,
vitamins, dietary
supplements and
topical treatments
such as ointments
and creams. This will
help your doctor determine
if you are over-medicated for a
condition, or if there could be an interaction between medications
or supplements.
❊
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
19
Blue & You Winter 2006

New options and opportunities
for Medicare-eligible Arkansans
20
Never before have
Arkansans on
Medicare had so many
options when it comes
to their health plan. If
you are about to be
Medicare eligible (or if
you are helping a family
member or friend who
is), you’re invited to take
a look at Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield
to discover the options
available from a trusted
source of health plans
for more than 58 years.
Arkansas Blue Cross has a portfolio of products with a full range
of choices so you can select the product that is right for you. You’ll
find lower monthly premiums and new and improved health and
prescription drug plans in 2007.
Health plans
Medi-Pak Advantage is our newest health plan for
Arkansans on Medicare. Medi-Pak Advantage is a Medicare
Advantage plan that combines all the coverage of Original
Medicare and prescription drug coverage, plus some exciting new
benefits, all for one low monthly premium. Medi-Pak Advantage is a
non-network private fee-for-service health plan.
For 2007, our Medi-Pak Rx products now have more
medications covered than in 2006, monthly premiums have
gone down, and there’s little or no deductible. There are three
prescription drug plans available — one of which provides benefit
coverage in the “gap.”
Medi-Pak, our traditional Medicare supplement plan,
has been meeting the health-care needs of Arkansans on
Medicare for years. And in the confusing world of Medicare
products today, it still does. So if the comfort and familiarity of a
tried-and-true health plan sounds good to you, we’ve got it. There
are seven plans to choose from so you may select the one that fits
your individual needs.
Online enhancements
Arkansas Blue Cross recently updated its Web site to include
an enhanced tool to help you find a plan that meets your needs.
It’s called Medi-Pak Choice Plan Finder. This online tool walks you
through the benefits you want and — from a pricing standpoint
— how important they are to you. It also allows you to answer
questions according to several scenarios … and your preferences …
so that the top three products best suited to your requests surface
at the end.
Medi-Pak Choice Plan Finder takes you through four
quick steps:
• Tell us about yourself
• Tell us what benefits are important to you
• Benefit trade-offs
• Your personal benefit preferences
The information you provide is kept secure and only used to help
you select a plan. You’ll have the opportunity to ask for help along
the way by selecting the “I Need Assistance” button at the bottom
of each page. The tool even provides definitions for confusing
insurance terms.
SilverSneakers ® Fitness Program
The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is available to Medi-Pak
Advantage and Medi-Pak members beginning Jan. 1, 2007.
SilverSneakers is an overall health-and-wellness program designed
specifically for Medicare beneficiaries. Eligible members receive a
free fitness center membership at a participating fitness center, with
access to conditioning classes, exercise equipment, pool, sauna
and other available amenities. Additionally, each participating
center offers customized SilverSneakers classes designed
exclusively for older adults, health education seminars, and a
specially trained Senior Advisor SM to assist members in
Get a
SilverSneakers T-shirt
After you’ve enrolled in the SilverSneakers
Fitness Program and have visited your
participating fitness center 10 times during
the first two months, you’ll get a great
SilverSneakers T-shirt to wear to your
workouts. You’ll be the envy of the gym
or neighborhood!
Blue & You Winter 2006

using fitness center resources and classes. When traveling,
members have access to any participating fitness center
throughout the country.
SilverSneakers Steps is a program offered to those
eligible members living 15 miles or more from a participating
SilverSneakers fitness center. This program is a self-directed
exercise program incorporating walking and other recreational
activities with the goal of increasing members’ physical activity
level. Because the program is not limited to one activity, members
enjoy flexibility in reaching their fitness and wellness goals.
Enrollment options
Arkansas Blue Cross makes access to product benefits and
features easy and convenient by offering information in person
(face-to-face with independent and Farm Bureau agents or our
regional reps), via the telephone with our internal licensed agents,
and online through our enhanced interactive tools. In addition
For more information about our Medi-Pak
Choice products, visit us online at
www.arbcbs.com/medi-pakchoice.
to receiving
information,
Medicare
beneficiaries
also may apply
and enroll in a
plan over the
telephone, in
person or online.
Our products
and services
for Medicare
beneficiaries
are Blue … and
improved. Call 1-
800-392-2583
today to speak
to one of our
internal agents,
contact your
independent insurance agent or visit us online at
www.arbcbs.com/medi-pakchoice.
❊
FDA reminds consumers about the risks of using decorative
contact lenses without consulting an eye-care health professional
21
Risk of permanent eye injury may lead to blindness
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently again
warned consumers about the serious risks of using decorative
contact lenses without the appropriate involvement of an eye-care
professional. These contact lenses, sometimes called Plano or
non-corrective lenses, do not correct vision and are intended solely
to change the appearance of the eye, but they carry serious risks,
including permanent eye injury that may lead to blindness.
Consumers only should use decorative contact lenses if they
have seen an eye-care professional and have obtained a proper
lens fitting and instructions for use.
Decorative contact lenses also carry the same risks as
corrective contact lenses, including conjunctivitis (pink eye);
corneal (the eye’s outermost layer) ulcers; corneal abrasion;
and vision impairment or blindness. Sharing of contact lenses
prescribed for one person also can lead to infections, abrasions,
allergic reaction or blindness.
The FDA has received reports of corneal ulcers associated with
the wearing of decorative contact lenses, especially when worn
overnight. Corneal ulcers, an infection of the eye, can progress
rapidly if left untreated. Uncontrolled infection can lead to corneal
scarring and vision impairment. In the most severe cases, this
condition can result in blindness and eye loss.
The FDA has received reports of decorative contact lenses
being marketed and distributed without a prescription directly to
consumers through sources such
as beauty salons, flea markets,
convenience stores, beach shops
and the Internet.
On Nov. 9, 2005, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act was
amended to classify all contact lenses — including decorative ones
— as medical devices under FDA’s regulatory authority. Contact
lenses distributed without appropriate involvement by eye-care
professionals now are considered misbranded devices under the
law. The FDA will use the full range of its statutory authorities to
prevent the improper distribution of these potentially dangerous
products.
Consumers should report any problems with decorative
contact lenses to their local FDA office. For a listing of FDA offices,
visit www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html. Any
adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product, and/or
quality problems should also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch
Program by telephone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at 1-800-
FDA-0178, by U.S. Postal Service at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA,
5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852-9787, or through the
MedWatch Web site at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Online info
For more information, visit www.fda.gov/cdrh/contactlenses/
types.html#plano.
❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

22
Health question? Your Health Coaches
Worried about your child’s allergies? Have a question about an
upcoming surgery? Need some tips on weight loss?
HealthConnect Blue can help you with these questions and
many more.
HealthConnect Blue is a complimentary, confidential health
information service that puts members in touch with Health
Coaches by telephone and offers health information online
to help members make more informed decisions about their
health care.
Health Coaches are health-care professionals, such as nurses,
dietitians and respiratory therapists. They have access to the most
up-to-date and reliable health information available. Even better,
their job is to provide information and lend support during a
worrisome time.
Health Coaches can’t provide advice or a medical diagnosis,
but they can supply the information you need to make
knowledgeable decisions. Members with urgent needs that require
immediate medical attention are urged to call their physicians,
contact their local 911 or emergency services, or go to the nearest
emergency room.
Health Coaches can help you understand difficult medical
concepts or difficult-to-follow treatment instructions. Health
Coaches also can lend support when you are making important
treatment decisions. If your doctor recommends removing
your child’s tonsils, for example, a Health Coach can help you
understand how the surgery might affect your child, how effective
it is, how long it typically takes to recover and whether there are
alternatives to surgery.
When to call a Health Coach at 1-800-318-2384
Call a Health Coach when you need:
• Caring support from a health-care professional who has the
time to listen to you and answer your questions.
• Information about a medical test, procedure or surgery. When
appropriate, Health Coaches can send you information and
educational videos about a variety of conditions, including back
pain, heart disease, prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, uterine
fibroids, breast cancer and osteoarthritis.
• Support and information on managing chronic illnesses
such as diabetes, asthma and
cardiovascular disease.
• In-depth information on
treatment options for
complex
medical issues.
• Help in making the most
of your visits with your
health-care provider.
With My BlueLine, you have access to customer service
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are a customer of
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage or
BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas, you can get answers
to your claims or benefits questions anytime, day or night. Call the
telephone number on your ID card, or refer to Page 3 of Blue & You
for Customer Service telephone numbers.
My BlueLine is an interactive voice response (IVR) system that
recognizes speech patterns to help answer questions when you
call current customer service telephone lines. When you call a
My BlueLine
customer service line and select My BlueLine,
it will prompt you with a question, and all you
have to do is simply respond to the question.
When you call, remember to have your ID card
on hand. For privacy purposes, the system will ask
you questions to verify your identity as the caller — such as your
member ID number as it is listed on your membership card.
If you prefer, you immediately may choose the option of
speaking to a customer service representative (during regular
business hours).
❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

have the answer
To talk to a Health Coach, call 1-800-318-2384. You also
can access HealthConnect Blue online (see the Visit Us Online
bar below).
REMEMBER …
As an automatic member of this program, you can:
• Speak one-on-one with a Health Coach 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week and receive personalized follow-up calls about any
chronic condition or other health concern.
• Have educational materials mailed to your home, at no charge.
• Visit our Web sites (see the Visit Us Online bar below) to review
a health encyclopedia containing in-depth health information on
more than 1,900 clinical topics.
❊
Note: Currently, all Health Advantage members, Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield members (excluding Medi-Pak) and eligible
BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas groups have access to
HealthConnect Blue. This includes all Service Benefit Plan (Federal
Employee Program) members, Health Advantage HMO members
and all public school and state employees covered by Arkansas Blue
Cross or Health Advantage.
Members may access HealthConnect Blue online, by going to the HealthConnect
Blue link at www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com or www.ArkansasBlueCross.com.
Easy-to-understand articles on thousands of health topics are easy to access.
23
I
f
Need technical assistance
with My Blueprint?
you are experiencing technical problems with My
Blueprint (the online self-service center), please select
the link at the bottom of the registration page that says
“Contact Technical Support.” If you call Customer Service,
a representative can assist you with questions on how to
read information in the system, but they are unable to reset
passwords or assist with technical issues. ❊
It’s easy to register to use My Blueprint, the online customer selfservice
center for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health
Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas
members. Visit our Web sites to use My Blueprint.
Members can enter their health plan ID number, name and date
of birth for immediate access to the health tools.
Members will receive an activation code via the U.S. Postal
Service that will allow access to personal data, such as medical and
pharmacy claims.
My Blueprint
Remember that any covered
person, not just the policyholder
or group employee, can register.
The Arkansas Blue Cross family of
companies is working to make our
Web sites more user-friendly while
continuing to protect the privacy of
your personal health information.
❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

Ask
the
Pharmacist
24
Ring in the New Year with a medicine
cabinet checkup
Ring out the old, ring in the new — but did you know that goes
for your medicine cabinet too?
Even though many American bathrooms are designed with a
medicine cabinet, the truth is it is one of the worst places to store
medications. Many prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC)
medications have a limited shelf life and can deteriorate rapidly
in hot, humid conditions. Choose a cool, dark space to store your
medications, preferably away from the reach of tiny hands. A
lockable box is ideal, though it may not be as convenient.
If you are lamenting because now you have to find a purpose for
your bathroom medicine cabinet, don’t worry. There are still plenty
of supplies that can be stored there:
• Adhesive bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Gauze pads
• Tweezers
• Thermometer
• Calibrated measuring spoon
• Alcohol wipes
• Disinfectant
• Beauty products
Items in your closet or other safe storage area should include:
• Prescription medications
• Analgesic (relieves pain)
• Antibiotic ointment (reduces risk of infection)
• Antacid (relieves upset stomach)
• Antihistamine (relieves allergy symptoms)
• Decongestant (relieves stuffy nose and other cold symptoms)
• Fever reducer (adult and child)
• Hydrocortisone (relieves itching and inflammation)
• Antiseptic (helps stop infection)
You should clean out your bathroom medicine cabinet and
the area where you store medicines at least once a year. Discard
outdated products, damaged containers and old supplies. If you
have to guess at the dosage or aren’t sure of the expiration date,
you should throw it out. Restock supplies that are low or missing.
Keep all items in their original containers so that no one takes the
wrong one.
OTC medications are not without risk. It is important to read and
understand the information on the labels and to talk to your doctor
or pharmacist if you have questions. Know the side effects to watch
for when taking OTC medications and follow the directions exactly.
Other tips for home health care:
• Check expiration dates frequently. Even first-aid kits have
expiration dates.
• Keep important health service numbers near the telephone and
program them into your cell phone. It may be convenient also to
keep the same numbers posted near the medicine cabinet.
• Wash all cuts and scrapes thoroughly with soap and water
before applying antibiotic ointment.
• Do not give aspirin to children. It has been linked to Reye’s
syndrome — a rare disorder that can be fatal to children.
• Never refer to medications as candy. If children find medicine on
their own they may eat it thinking it actually is candy.
• Pay particular attention to dosing instructions. The potency
levels of medications intended for children are very different
from those intended for adults.
• Be especially careful with iron-containing supplements. Iron
tablets are one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in
children.
❊
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Blue & You Winter 2006

Are you up to the Challenge?
… the Arkansas Fitness Challenge, that is?
Now’s the time to prepare for the 2007 contest and get ready
to have fun and get fit for the new year!
And, this year, a new Web site will be available to help your
company sign up and for participants to log their exercise online.
You can log on to www.ArkansasFitnessChallenge.com to check it
out after Jan. 1, 2007.
The Arkansas
Fitness Challenge is an
exercise contest that
encourages employees
to work toward
the public health
recommendation
of adult physical
activity 30 minutes
each day, most days
of the week. More
than 60 companies — large and small — participated in the 2006
Challenge.
You may download the Arkansas Fitness Challenge Kit in PDF at
www.ArkansasBlueCross.com, www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com or
www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.com (click on the “Employers” tab).
There is an Employee Fitness Contest Kit available to take you
through every step of how to organize and hold a contest at your
company or organization. For more information or to get a free Kit,
call toll free 1-800-686-2609.
Whether you participate in an internal or external contest, find a
foe, issue a challenge and let the games begin! ❊
Representatives from companies
participating in the 2006
Challenge pose with Sharon
Allen and Dr. Paul Halverson at
the contest celebration.
25
“Don’t Start” 2007 gets started
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is once again joining with
the American Lung Association and the Arkansas Department
of Education to encourage kids not to smoke cigarettes. Media
partner KLRT-TV/FOX Channel 16 again is joining in the effort.
The “Don’t Start” Smoking Storyboard Contest 2007 gets
under way in January to give kids in kindergarten through fifthgrade
an opportunity to write a story about why it’s important
to never begin this dangerous habit. Deadline for entries is
March 30, 2007.
The winning entry will be featured in a television public service
announcement broadcast statewide. Finalists from 2006 came
from across the state.
The 2006 winning
storyboard was
submitted by Natalie
DeLone of Baker
Elementary School
in Little Rock.
Storyboard Contest sheets
and educational videos will be
distributed to all public schools
and are being mailed to private
schools and home-school
programs. Beginning in mid-
January, contest sheets may
be picked up at any Arkansas
Blue Cross location statewide,
at the American Lung Association
of Arkansas, and at Clear Channel
Communications in Little Rock, or by
calling toll free 1-800-586-4872, ext. 118.
The “Don’t Start” Smoking Storyboard Contest will help your
kids draw a healthy message today — as well as a good breath
— for life.
❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

26
Use the emergency room for emergencies
Emergency
Care
Services are
health-care
services that
are required to
evaluate and
treat medical
conditions of
such sudden onset and severity that a prudent layperson would
believe (with an average knowledge of medicine and health) that
the condition, sickness or injury that, without proper treatment,
could result in:
• Placing the health of the individual — or with respect to a
pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child
— in serious jeopardy.
• Serious impairment to bodily function.
• Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
Emergencies often include the following:
• Severe bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of direct
pressure.
• Sudden severe pain and swelling in a joint.
• Blacking out (fainting).
• Swallowing poison.
• Choking.
• A gaping wound (the edges don’t come together).
• A broken bone.
• Suddenly not being able to speak or move.
• Chest pain, especially if associated with sweating, shortness of
breath, spreading pain, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach),
throwing up, dizziness or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
FYI
1. More than half of all emergency room (ER) visits are for minor,
non-urgent problems. These visits can be two to three times
more expensive that a visit to the doctor’s office. If you get sick
and believe it is something that will not go away on its own, try
first to see your doctor rather than going to the ER. Call your
doctor as early in the day as possible so you can be seen as soon
as possible.
2. Tell your doctor’s nurse about your symptoms and ask her to
speak to the doctor regarding the need for immediate medical
care. Many emergency symptoms may be relived with selfcare
if the individual is able to share pertinent information with
your physician’s medical staff. If your symptoms are unresolved,
your physician can provide you with the best directions for
receiving the appropriate level of care at the appropriate time.
Your physician arranges for another physician to care for you
when your doctor is out of the office. In the ER, you may see
a physician who is not familiar with your current treatment or
medical history and, therefore, medical testing may be ordered
that is a duplication of the testing your physician already has
done for you.
3. The ER is one of the most expensive units in the hospital and
often one of the busiest. You’ll be paying top dollar, and if your
symptoms aren’t severe, you could wait for several hours in the
ER before you receive any treatment.
4. Modern emergency services are invaluable in trauma or lifethreatening
situations but are inefficient for routine care. When
deciding whether to go to the ER, use your best judgment. In
case of a true emergency, go immediately to the ER. Call ahead
to let them know you’re coming and notify your regular doctor,
if possible. Your family doctor can provide the ER staff with
important medical information.
❊
FDA revises Tamiflu label to suggest monitoring after treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently revised
the information label on Tamiflu (olsetamivir phosphate) to
suggest people taking the drug be closely monitored for signs of
unusual behavior.
The new label says that people with the flu, especially children,
“may be at an increased risk of self-injury and confusion shortly
after taking Tamiflu,” and advises consumers to contact a healthcare
professional immediately if such behavior occurs.
The label change came after reports of more than 100 cases of
unusual behavior in people taking the drug. Most cases involved
children in Japan, where the drug already carries precautionary
language. Tamiflu is made by Roche.
The FDA said that the relationship between the behavior and
the drug isn’t
known, but the
revised label is
meant to mitigate
a potential risk.
New data from
Roche suggests
the problems seen
in some people
taking the drug
are a result of the
flu itself and not
the drug. ❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

Blue & You Foundation awards $1.2 million in grants to improve health
The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas has awarded
a total of $1,274,108 in grants to 16 health improvement
programs in Arkansas.
“Our grants this year went to programs across the state that
address such issues as obesity, healthy lifestyle choices, medical
and prescription drug care for low-income individuals, childbirth
and parenting, disabilities, dental health, asthma and safety,” said
Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation.
The grants awarded for 2007 are:
• American Lung Association of Arkansas, Little Rock
($44,900) — to provide asthma self-management skills to
adults in Pulaski, Washington, Benton, Garland and Craighead
counties.
• Arkansas Association of Charitable Clinics, Hot
Springs ($100,000) — to support 27 member clinics with
system software designed to increase the efficiency of patient
record-keeping.
• Arkansas Rice Depot, Little Rock ($100,000) — to provide
nutritious foods in after-school backpacks for needy children.
• Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative, Pine
Bluff ($149,548) — to provide students with health and physical
education in DeWitt, Dollarway, Pine Bluff, Sheridan, Stuttgart,
Watson Chapel and White Hall.
• Boston Mountain Educational Cooperative, West Fork
($150,000) — to help fight
childhood obesity in the
Elkins Public School District.
• Community Clinic
at St. Francis House,
Springdale ($84,002)
— to provide uninsured and low-income patients in Washington
and Benton counties with additional primary care availability.
• Franklin County Learning Center, Ozark ($11,000) — to
purchase orthopedic positioning seats for children and adults
being transported to developmental therapy.
• Great Rivers Education Service Cooperative, West
Helena ($149,017) — to provide students in Crittenden, Lee,
Monroe, Phillips, Prairie and Saint Frances counties with health
and wellness education.
• Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center,
Bentonville ($79,275) — to provide preschool children in
northwest Arkansas with weekly physical education classes.
• North Arkansas Partnership for Health Education,
Harrison ($119,385) — to provide the underserved population
in northeast Arkansas with affordable health education services.
• Paces, Inc., Jonesboro ($52,728) — to provide case
management services for young mothers and fathers in
Craighead, Poinsett and Green counties.
Grants, continued on Page 31
27
“One Class at a Time” grants continue to help teachers
Sue Sanders, a Kingsland Elementary School fourth-, fifth- and
sixth-grade teacher, is the October winner of a $500 grant
awarded as part of the “One Class at a Time” program sponsored
by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and FOX 16 News at
Nine. The grant program provides teachers a financial resource
to purchase school enrichment items that might not otherwise
be funded. This grant will be used to purchase equipment for an
elementary science lab. With this equipment, the students will
conduct experiments on how to predict, observe, measure and
interpret the weather.
As a reminder, each month FOX 16 “News at Nine” and
Arkansas Blue Cross will award a $500 grant to a teacher/
classroom around the state of Arkansas to help supplement class
needs. Teachers in need of supplies, classroom tools, field trips,
books, computers or other educational necessities can go online
to www.FOX16.com and apply for a grant. BlueAnn and FOX 16
news personalities travel monthly to a school to award a grant to
the winning teacher. Each award is filmed and shown on FOX 16
“News at Nine.” The winners also are posted on the Web sites.
For more information, visit BlueAnn’s Web site,
www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com; the FOX 16 Web site,
www.Fox16.com/oneclass; or contact Kristy Fleming,
Communications and Product Development, by e-mail at
ksfleming@arkbluecross.com or by telephone at 501-378-5869.
❊
Sue Sanders accepts the $500 grant check awarded as part of
“One Class at a Time” program. From left to right: Troy Bridges,
meteorologist for FOX 16; Sue Sanders, teacher from Kingsland
Elementary School; BlueAnn Ewe, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield’s health ambassador; and Danny Durey, principal
of Kingsland Elementary.
Blue & You Winter 2006

Ray Bredfeldt, M.D.
Northwest Regional Medical Director
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
The
Doctor’s Corner
28
Can chewing gum get you home
from the hospital sooner?
After abdominal surgery (gall bladder,
appendix, colon, etc.), one of the major complications related to
these surgeries is an inactive bowel (called an “ileus” by physicians).
An inactive bowel can cause significant discomfort. Surgeons
recently have discovered that patients who chew sugarless gum
for one hour three times daily after surgery have a shorter duration
of “inactive bowel” and, on average, leave the hospital two days
earlier. If you have abdominal surgery, ask your doctor if you can
chew some sugarless gum — it might help you get home from the
hospital a little sooner.
Can breast-feeding prevent childhood obesity?
Many medical experts believe that obesity in children could
decrease if more mothers made the decision to breast-feed their
babies. Diabetic Care, a medical journal, reported that babies who
are not breast-fed are 70 percent more likely to become obese
during later childhood than are children who have been breast-fed
for three months or more. Given that obese children are 10 times
more likely to be obese adults, the decision to breast-feed could
have life-long implications for the baby.
Primary care physicians are good for you
People who
see a primary care
physician (PCP)
on a regular basis
are healthier than
people who do not.
PCPs include family
doctors, internists and
pediatricians. Studies
show that people
who rely on PCPs
for medical advice
have a longer life
expectancy, receive
more preventative care and are less likely to receive unnecessary
medical procedures. Studies also indicate that those communities
with the highest ratio of PCPs to specialist physicians have the
lowest death rates. If you do not have a PCP, make plans to get one
— it will be good for you.
Hernia surgery may be avoidable
Surgery for a hernia is one of the commonly performed
medical procedures for men. The Journal of the American Medical
Association published a study in early 2006 that concluded it
is safe for middle-aged men to avoid surgery unless the hernia
becomes too painful. If you avoid the surgery, the major risk is the
possibility of the bowel getting caught in the hernia (incarcerated
hernia), which can require emergency surgery. Researchers
have concluded that — in any given year — the chance of a hernia
becoming incarcerated is less than one in 500.
Is an episiotomy necessary during childbirth?
Recently, researchers reviewed all studies on the episiotomy
procedure and concluded that this procedure poses several risks
to women without evidence of benefit. The authors of this research
believe that 85 percent of episiotomies should not be necessary
during childbirth. However, episiotomy during childbirth is the most
frequently performed surgical procedure on American women. If
you are pregnant, it’s a good idea to discuss this procedure prior to
your due date.
Some common medications may delay healing to
injured muscles and joints
Anti-inflammatory
medications such as
ibuprofen (Motrin
and Advil), naproxen
(Aleve) and celecoxib
(Celebrex) often are
used to control pain
caused by injuries to
muscles and joints.
However, according
to researchers at
Yale University, these
same medications
may cause a delay in
the healing of such
injuries. The study
suggests that those
people with muscle
and joint injuries
might want to take
acetaminophen
(Tylenol) after injuries
such as sprained
ankles and knees.
❊
Blue & You Winter 2006

For third year, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
named to InformationWeek Top 500
leading users of business technology
For the third year in a row, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
has been named one of the 500 most innovative information
technology companies in America by InformationWeek magazine.
Joseph S. Smith, senior vice president of Private Programs
and chief information officer of Arkansas Blue Cross, said the
company consistently has used the latest information technologies
(IT) to provide efficiency and security to its members. Arkansas
Blue Cross’ use of technology has been most evident in support
of the emerging consumer-directed health market and active
engagement in the nation’s health IT initiatives.
“Our continued inclusion in InformationWeek 500 is recognition
that Arkansas Blue Cross is dedicated to providing our members
and business partners with the best possible products and services,”
Smith said. “This is also a wonderful acknowledgment of the fine
work of our employees.”
To be ranked on this year’s list, candidates were asked to
complete an application that examined technology initiatives and
priorities. Smith said that the application was quite comprehensive,
but that Arkansas Blue Cross focused on technology that is driving
the automation of the health-care industry as a whole.
He said work toward assisting in the deployment of an electronic
health record to allow physicians wireless access to their patients’
Robert L. Shoptaw has joined the Simmons First National
Corporation board of directors, according to J. Thomas May,
chairman and chief executive officer.
May noted, “Bob Shoptaw is a great leader. He gets involved
to make a difference, whether it is in his business, industry or
community. He is a visionary when it comes to business, in general,
and health care in particular, and he will be a great asset to
Simmons First’s success as a statewide banking franchise. I have
known Bob for more than 25 years, and I am proud to have him as
a member of our corporate board of directors.”
Shoptaw, chief executive officer of Arkansas Blue Cross and
Blue Shield, has more than 36 years tenure with Arkansas Blue
Cross and received his master’s degree from Webster University
with a dual concentration in business administration and health
services management. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in
economics from Arkansas Tech University and has completed the
Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School
in Boston, Mass.
Shoptaw serves on the board of directors for Easter Seals, the
Little Rock Metro Centre Improvement District and the National
charts is in line with President George
Bush’s initiative to automate health
care. Emerging technologies for the
consumer-directed health market
are bridging the gap between health-care financing and financial
services industries and giving consumers more control of their
health-care dollars, he said.
InformationWeek is the
largest, most influential
community of IT buyers
and sellers focusing on,
driving and setting the
agenda for business
innovation powered by
technology. Every week,
InformationWeek touches
more than 1 million business
technology executives
worldwide through its
magazine editions, online
sites, research platforms
and peer-to-peer events.
❊
Robert Shoptaw joins Simmons First corporate board
Institute for Health Care
Management.
He recently completed a
two-year term as chairman of
the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Association Board, which
provides franchise governance
for the 38 associated Blue
Cross and Blue Shield plans
that collectively serve the health
insurance needs of more than
95 million Americans.
Simmons First National
Corporation is a $2.6 billion financial holding company, with eight
community banks in Pine Bluff, Jonesboro, Lake Village, Rogers,
Searcy, Russellville, El Dorado and Hot Springs. The Company’s
eight banks conduct financial operations from 83 offices, of which
81 are financial centers, in 46 communities.
❊
29
Blue & You Winter 2006

30
Get your kids off to a “lamb-tastic” new year
As the calendar rolls over to a new year, many people are
thinking about tuning in to better nutrition, toning up through
exercise and turning over the proverbial new leaf regarding
their health.
Why not get your kids involved and help them learn important
health lessons from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s health
ambassador, BlueAnn Ewe, a big, blue sheep?
Arkansas Blue Cross’ Blue & Youth Health Program, a health
education effort designed to improve the well-being of Arkansas
citizens (beginning with the young people of the state) is one way to
help your kids develop good health habits. BlueAnn uses a variety
of tools to help kids learn about good nutrition, exercise, avoiding
tobacco and other harmful substances, brushing their teeth, getting
good sleep, and a host of other health and safety topics.
BlueAnn reaches kids through:
The BlueAnn Health Club — a free health club with a two-year
membership, designed to provide individual children ages 5 to 10
with opportunities to learn about healthy
lifestyles and participate in activities,
with the goal of encouraging overall
healthy behaviors and involving
parents in the process. The Club
includes incentives and rewards for
participating in activities. Members
get an ID card and membership
certificate, as well as a poster and two birthday
cards. Following the initial membership packet, Health Club
members receive quarterly packets which include a newsletter,
activity sheet, special gift and a business-reply envelope.
The BlueAnn Class Club — the classroom equivalent of the
Health Club, this free club is designed for kindergarten, first- and
second-grade classrooms. Teachers
enroll their classes and utilize the
Club materials at their discretion.
Membership is for one school
year and also provides incentives
and rewards for practicing healthy
behaviors. Class Clubs get three
packets of information and activities
during the school year.
BlueAnn’s Wild & Woolly Web site — a fun Web site for kids
which contains health information and activities. Visitors can vote
in a weekly poll, play games, watch BlueAnn’s music videos, join
the health club, print out activity and coloring sheets, read about
healthy goodies, look through BlueAnn’s scrapbook, read her fan
mail, view a schedule of BlueAnn’s appearances and more. This
Web site is visited by children all over the world and included by
many schools as a site to visit in computer lab.
“BlueAnn Rocks” — Twelve animated,
musical health messages featuring
BlueAnn, kids and some colorful
characters who sing health messages
about nutrition, exercise, good hygiene,
peer pressure, dental care, sleep, safety,
thinking, emotions, avoiding tobacco
and avoiding strangers. The spots are
shown on children’s programming on network television and cable
channels. In addition, these health features have been compiled on
videotape and are made available to schools for use in teaching
health units and/or shown on closed circuit television in the schools
as part of morning announcements.
Museum of Discovery Kiosk and Interactive CD — a multidimensional,
colorful kiosk located at the Museum of Discovery in
Little Rock that lets kids play an interactive computer game about
health called “Who Wants to Feel Like a Million Bucks?” BlueAnn
hosts the game wearing a Regis-like monochromatic suit and asks
kids for their “final” answers. The Museum is visited by thousands
of students each year during field trips. The CD also can be made
available for school.
BlueAnn Ewe’s Healthy ClassAct — a high-energy and
interactive, fun approach to health, wellness and safety taught in firstgrade
classrooms across the state featuring BlueAnn Ewe. BlueAnn’s
coloring book serves as the guide for the lesson and the presenter
uses it and colorful props (papier maché fruits and vegetables, jump
rope, stethoscope, bicycle horn, oversized toothbrush). The 40-
minute presentation quizzes students and allows them to participate
in the presentation by brushing BlueAnn’s teeth, jumping rope with
her, listening to her heart, etc. Each student gets a coloring book
at the end of the lesson and a talking BlueAnn doll stays behind to
become the class health mascot.
BlueAnn’s health activities are fun ways for kids to learn about
healthy habits and put their knowledge into practice. In a little more
than 10 years, the Blue & Youth Health Program has reached more
than one million kids.
Help get your kids off on the right hoof for 2007! If you are a
parent or teacher and would like to enroll your kids or students in
one of the Clubs, please call toll free 1-800-515-BLUE (2583).
Visit BlueAnn’s Web site each month to get information and play
at learning … or stop by the Museum of Discovery when you are
in Little Rock to listen to the “BlueAnn Rocks” spots and have your
kids take a turn at BlueAnn’s health quiz. Or if you’d like to know
more about any of these activities, contact Kristy Fleming at
501-378-5869.
It’s all fun. It’s all free. And you can help your kids be their healthy
best with the help of a woolly blue resource! ❊
Need more information on
BlueAnn Ewe? Visit her Web site at
www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com.
Blue & You Winter 2006

Blue & Your Community
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield strives to be a good corporate citizen. Our employees raise money and spend many hours
helping those causes near and dear to the hearts of Arkansans.
Cause for a carnival
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield continued its support of
the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation this year by organizing
walk teams and raising money for the cause in September. The
company’s team theme this year was “Cause for a Carnival” which
carried over into its team T-shirt design and fund-raising efforts.
Employees raised more than $7,500 and had the largest walk
team in Central Arkansas. The employee team even donned red
clown noses on walk day! It was a great way to raise money and
awareness for the work of JDRF.
Arkansas Blue Cross JDRF team clowns around for a good cause.
Victory Lane at Sixth & Gaines
The Arkansas Blue Cross employee teams were revving it up
for a cure this year for the 13 th annual Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundation’s Arkansas Race For The Cure ® on October
7 in downtown Little Rock. The event was a huge success once
again with more than 40,000 participants … 839 of whom were
enterprise employees (the largest corporate team for the fifth
year). Arkansas Blue Cross also manned a water station at its
headquarters on the corner of Sixth and Gaines, which is along the
race route. To support the race festivities, the team decorated the
block in a NASCAR-like theme and named it “Blue Brickyard” for
the day. Our team’s 29 breast cancer survivors wore race jackets
and Powder Puff Derby ribbons.
Fire safe
In keeping with her message of health and safety, BlueAnn Ewe
made an appearance at the Sherwood Fire Department’s Fire-Fest
fund raiser on
October 5. The
event was held in
an effort to teach
kids about fire
safety. Firefighters
set up a firefighter
challenge for kids,
conducted a class
on how to use a
fire extinguisher,
and provided
a tour through
the Arkansas
Children’s
Hospital’s Smoke
House. Money raised at the event
was donated to the Arkansas
Children’s Hospital Burn Unit.
❊
BlueAnn Ewe greets a
child at the Sherwood
Fire Department’s Fire-
Fest fund raiser.
31
Grants, continued from Page 27
• PE4Life, Rogers ($149,775) — to support physical education
training for students in Rogers and train 15 school cooperatives
through a demonstration site at Kirksey Middle School.
• Phillips Community College of the University of
Arkansas, DeWitt ($4,510) — to purchase interactive
mannequins and training materials for its CPR/First Aid
program at the DeWitt campus.
• Park Foundation, Inc., Little Rock ($52,500) — to help
educate students to take an active role in developing healthy
lifestyles.
• University of Arkansas — Fort Smith Dental Hygiene
Program, Fort Smith ($5,701) — to provide dental sealants to
area elementary students who lack financial resources.
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service,
Little Rock ($21,766) — to provide fitness and nutrition
education program to older women in Saline, Hot Spring,
Garland and Montgomery counties.
The Blue & You Foundation will accept proposals for its next
funding cycle any time between Jan. 1 and July 16, 2007. For more
information about the grant application process, visit the foundation
Web site or write to Blue & You Foundation, 320 West Capitol Ave.,
Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201.
❊
For more information on the Blue & You
Foundation, visit their Web site at
www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org.
Blue & You Winter 2006

Blue
Online
Helping members manage their health-benefit plans is the focus
of www.ArkansasBlueCross.com, www.HealthAdvantagehmo.com
and www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.com. Several online
tools are available to members.
Provider Directory enhancement
A new feature recently added to the online provider directories
for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage
will allow you to get directions to the physicians in your area.
To get to the maps, select the “Provider Directory” link on the home
page or the menu bar on the left side of any internal page of www.
ArkansasBlueCross.com or www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com.
Enter your member ID number or select your health plan. Search
for a physician.
On the results page, you will see a “Detail” button beside
each physician’s name. Select this button to get to the physician’s
background information and comparison graphs. If you decide
this is the physician for you, select the “Need Directions” button.
If you get confused when you are searching for a provider, select
the “E-Mail Customer Service” link at the bottom of any page to
request help in locating an in-network provider. Selecting an innetwork
provider reduces your out-of-pocket costs.
Looking for Insurance? and Blue Perks
Because of the new additions to the Medicare products that
you can read about below, our Web sites now have grouped all
insurance plans under a new heading: “Looking for Insurance?”
Quite simply, if you are looking for insurance, select the button from
the home page. Arkansas Blue Cross has its offerings under four
groups now: Medicare Plans, Individual & Family Plans, Employee
Group Plans and Dental Plans. Because Health Advantage is for
groups only, they are sorted by traditional, point of service and
open access options.
Another change for the Arkansas Blue Cross and Health
Advantage Web sites is the new “Blue Perks” section. If you’re
looking for pharmacy tools, such as the generic drug calculator;
value-added services (including member discounts and health
education programs); or information on the Arkansas Fitness
Challenge and how you can get involved, Blue Perks is the place
to find it.
how much your True-Out-Of-Pocket (TrOOP) drug costs, and
annual costs for the plan will be for each of the medications
you take.
To locate the calculator, go to www.ArkansasBlueCross.com
and select the “Looking for Insurance?” link. Next, select the
“Health and prescription plans for Medicare-eligible Arkansans”
link. You then will see the Medicare plan options. Medi-Pak
Advantage, our newest offering, combines Original Medicare
benefits, prescription drug coverage and more — all in one product.
But if you are simply looking for a Medicare Part D prescription
drug plan, that’s Medi-Pak Rx.
After you’ve selected the Medicare plan you would like to
consider, select “Calculate Your Drug Costs.” After answering a
few questions about this medication, you can choose to “Calculate
Cost.” You can add as many drugs as you need.
The Medi-Pak Choice Plan Finder Tool now is available. You can
find a link to it in several areas throughout the Medi-Pak Choice
section of the Web
site. This tool will walk
you through a series of
questions designed to
point you to the right
plan for you. ❊
www.ArkansasBlueCross.com
www.HealthAdvantage-hmo.com
www.BlueAdvantageArkansas.com
www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org
www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
P.O. Box 2181
Little Rock, AR 72203-2181
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Arkansas Blue Cross and
Blue Shield
New Medicare plans
Arkansas Blue Cross members recently may have noticed
some additions in the Medicare plans being offered. While
deciding which option may fit your needs, you may want to use the
Drug Calculator for the Medi-Pak Advantage and Medi-Pak Rx
products. With this tool you can see an estimate of